live rent-free in someone's head
To be the perpetual focus of someone's thoughts, with that person having no control over this situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That annoying comment lives rent-free in my head.”
“Even though the argument ended weeks ago, his rude words still live rent-free in my head.”
“Despite her efforts to move on, the memory of that failure continues to live rent-free in her head, haunting her every time she attempts a new project.”
first recorded 20th c.
Often attributed to American advice columnist Eppie Lederer (1918–2002), who used it in her syndicated advice column in 1990.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 05
bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
- 06
bang one's head against a brick wall
To waste effort on a futile project.
- 07
bang some heads together
Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.
- 08
bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
Last updated August 10, 2026